Rider Stories at CTRC

Each day at CTRC we are blessed with wonderful stories. Stories of courage, of perseverance, of humor, of commitment, of wonder, the list go on and on. We at CTRC treasure our stories. We believe they are precious gifts and that any one who hears our stories can not help but be moved - and be bettered by them.

Here are a few precious gifts for you. May they brighten your day ...

Ginger's Story

Ginger is a beautiful, 10 year old girl who faces the challenges of Cerebral Palsy with a "can do" attitude. Because she has difficulty walking and talking, Ginger's family sought out many different types of therapy, including regular physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and swimming before finding the results they were looking for with Therapeutic Riding at CTRC.

Mary Ann, Ginger's mother, says "Even if she couldn't afford all other treatments, she said she would continue to bring her daughter to the riding center." Enrolling Ginger in Therapeutic Riding encourages her to stretch, balance, strengthen and tone her muscles. In turn Ginger now stands up straighter, walks better and has increased her core strength. But it is not all work! Ginger has so much fun riding at CTRC that she doesn't seem to think it's "therapy".

Ginger is partnered with therapy horse Zippy. Together they are a great team. Ginger says "She is a good horse. Sometimes she likes to trot and run fast. Sometimes she’s bad and sometimes she’s good. She is a beautiful show horse. I love to ride Zippy!" During her lessons you can always see a big smile on Ginger’s face and sharing laughs with her volunteers.

Bryce's Story

Bryce has been riding in the Therapeutic Riding program at CTRC for nearly 4 years. Bryce has seen various improvements from his time participating in group lessons but for him it seems his volunteers have made a huge impression. Recently for his school newsletter he wrote under Meet My Hero: "Flo inspires me. Flo is my side walker at CTRC. She inspires me because she loves kids and animals. She always likes to make other people’s lives better. She does a good job training me to be a better horseback rider. Those are reasons why she inspires me."

Also his mother, Julie, shared with Melissa, CTRC's Volunteer Coordinator, this touching account which once again relays that clearly CTRC volunteers make connections that influence riders’ lives. One the day the Fincher's family dog become really ill and the decision to put the dog down was made. Rightfully so, the family was quite upset. Paige, Bryce's younger sister, being younger stayed home with her dad while Bryce went to the vet with his mom and dog. Bryce explained to his mom that he should go with her to the vet office. Bryce told his mom that he needed to be there for his dog, so that he would be his side walker to heaven.